Tardebigge CofE First School

Overview

This is a “warm and friendly place in which to work and learn” where pupils “enjoy school, attend regularly, work hard and learn much.” Leaders have designed a curriculum that ensures “academic standards are high,” with pupils knowing “a lot by the time they leave.” The school fosters strong relationships, with staff treating pupils fairly and maintaining a safe, inclusive environment.

Strengths

• Lessons are “purposeful and interesting,” supported by “short, sharp, regular activities” that help pupils retain knowledge.
• Pupils display “good behaviour,” meaning lessons run smoothly and bullying is “uncommon.”
• There is a “strong” partnership between home and school, which contributes significantly to the school’s success.
• The school is a “highly inclusive and happy place,” with staff knowledgeable about meeting the needs of pupils with special educational needs and/or disabilities.
• Safeguarding arrangements are “effective,” with staff alert to signs of distress and systems working as intended.

Areas to improve

• Provide “better resources and support” for pupils who do not keep up with peers in early reading, ensuring phonics books are carefully matched to letter sounds.
• Strengthen “subject leadership” of foundation subjects to better check on day-to-day practice and identify improvements.
• Re-establish extra-curricular and enrichment activities as soon as practically possible following pandemic restrictions.

Safeguarding

The report states that “the arrangements for safeguarding are effective,” noting that staff are well-informed about risks, alert to signs of pupil distress, and that safer recruitment policies are followed correctly.